Running commentary

With pun fully intended, I believe a running movement is afoot in Sisters Country.

Since the start of the year and the resurrection of my own running career, I have encountered many people around town who ask me about running. They want to know about races, about how to train, and what running events we might be able to get started here in Sisters. I am thrilled.

Let me explain. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a running boom took place all across America and it had its roots in Oregon - specifically Eugene - thanks to a man you may have heard of: Bill Bowerman. He was inspired to begin community running programs after a visit to New Zealand, where legendary coach Arthur Lydiard had helped institute a national running and "jogging" phenomenon there.

I grew up in Sublimity, Oregon, and started my running career just about the same time the boom really took force. We had a running club in Stayton that sponsored four or five races every year. In fact, nearly every town in Oregon seemed to have a running race attached to whatever festival the town was known for. There was the Homer Davenport Days Run in Silverton, the Scio Lamb Trot, the Phil Sheridan Days Run in Sheridan, and yes, there was even a little race know as the Sisters Stampede, attached to the Sisters Rodeo, that stormed right down Cascade Avenue at the start.

Many of these races still exist, and where some have ended others have sprouted up.

This past weekend, my daughter Claire and her Mr. SHS partner, Dallas Frederick, put on the "Baby, I Love You" run as a benefit to the fundraising all the Mr. SHS candidates are doing for the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Charles.

For me, it was like the good old days.

We had about 40 participants, some quite fast, some not so much.

The entry "fee" was a suggested donation of $10.

We didn't print T-shirts or have micro-chip timing, but what we did have was the simple buzz of a footrace, the camaraderie of setting out on a somewhat rugged five-mile course together, not to mention coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, and orange slices at the finish line.

It didn't matter that we mucked up the timing and that we didn't have a treasure trove of raffle prizes for contestants. We had 77-year-old Don Hildebrand smiling before, during, and after the run. We had Renee May speed-walking the course faster than some ran it. We had Sean Meissner and Josh Nordell, who ran four miles before the race, clicked off the eight kilometers of the race at just under a six-minute pace, then strode off to run some more.

Oh, and the donations totaled over $450.

I think we've established a simple tradition, so look for this run again next year around Valentine's Day. It might be for a new cause and have more of a Valentine's theme, but it doesn't really matter as long as we do it.

Upcoming events:

Another new event has already sprung up. The "Raining Love Run," a five-kilometer run and walk is set for Saturday, March 6, at 10 a.m. Race directors are Mr. SHS contestants Parker Bennett and Justin Duvenick, who plan to contribute all proceeds to the NICU at St. Charles.

The course will begin near Sisters Athletic Club (SAC), proceed onto the lower Peterson Ridge Trail and circle back to SAC. Registration forms are available at SAC and FootZone in Bend.

A one-kilometer race for kids 12 and under will also be available.

Can you go the distance? Our longest-running local race, The Peterson Ridge Rumble, has established itself as a well-known race for ultra-marathoners and those desiring to go more than a half-marathon. Set for April 11 as a 60-kilometer and 30-kilometer event, the Rumble will attract runners from throughout the Northwest, as well as some locals. Most proceeds of the Rumble benefit the Sisters High School cross country teams, thanks to the dedication and generosity of Sean Meissner.

More races in the works: As I said, there is movement afoot for more events, so stay tuned regarding running and walking opportunities originating right here in Sisters.

If you would like to join me and my wife and whatever other friends we can gather for a nine-mile training run, meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, February 20, at the tennis court in Tollgate. Dogs are welcome, but need to be on a leash as we pass through Tollgate. The course heads west toward Black Butte Ranch and connects with the Windigo Trail and finishes through Cold Springs Campground.